Abstract
Two active components were isolated from the fresh leaves of avocado (Persea americana MILL) which showed growth-inhibitory action on the silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori L.) by oral administration. One active component (Ia) was identified as dimethylsciadinonate and the other (IIa) as 1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-heneicosa-12, 15-diene, which was a new compound hetherto unknown. When an artificial diet containing Ia at 200ppm was fed to the larvae, their growth was inhibited and three-moulters were induced. Sciadin (Ib) and sciadinone (Ic), the related compounds to Ia, revealed the similar activity and the order of activity was Ic>Ia>Ib. IIa gave vomiting and growth-inhibitory effects to the 4th instar larvae at a dose of 200ppm in 2 days. The tetrahydro derivative (IIb) derived from IIa showed the same activity, but the furan derivative (IIc) did not.
